Fernandes says Man Utd players are not trying to save Carrick's job after Roma comeback
Bruno Fernandes dismissed suggestions Manchester United's comeback win over Roma was about protecting manager Michael Carrick's position, saying the players needed the result for themselves and the club.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said the players "don't need to save anyone's job" after their second-half fightback against Roma in the Champions League. United recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2, ending a run of nine matches without a victory.
Fernandes was speaking to the media for the first time since being left on the bench following his public criticism of manager Michael Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 defeat at Como. He was restored to the starting line-up for the Premier League loss to Chelsea, and his 58th-minute penalty against Roma began the comeback that eased some of the pressure on Carrick.
Asked whether the result would protect the manager's position, the United captain told Amazon Prime that the win was needed by the club and the players, who he said had been working hard to escape the situation together.
Fernandes addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship with Carrick, saying reports of friction between them had been cleared up and that the manager then chose to bench him because of his performances. He said many assumed the decision was punishment for his comments, adding that if that was the case, it was the manager's right to make that call.
He also stressed that the episode had not altered his belief in the manager, the staff and his team-mates, nor his determination to win every game ahead.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
